POLICIES :: eCommunications :: Radio Spectrum Policy Programme
Radio Spectrum Policy Programme
Access to radio spectrum is essential for a huge range of activities from telephony and broadcasting through to transport and space applications, and it is crucial to ensure that EU citizens in both urban and rural areas can enjoy the benefits of digital technology and fast broadband connections. With the creation of the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme it will be possible to reflect on political priorities of the European Union and how these priorities translate into strategic policy objectives for radio spectrum use.
The Commission adopted on 20 September 2010 its proposal to the European Parliament and Council for a first Radio Spectrum Policy Programme which outlines at a strategic level how the use of spectrum can contribute to the most important political objectives of the European Union from 2011 to 2015. The proposal is part of a package of measures regarding broadband communications; wireless broadband is essential to deliver the target of broadband for all by 2013, which is one of the key goals of the Digital Agenda for Europe.
The intended impact of the RSPP presupposes that it should cover all types of radio spectrum use. At the same time the impact should be concrete and measurable in areas that are deemed to be of sufficient importance and at the right stage of maturity. The programme sets general regulatory principles and policy objectives to be applied for spectrum is all sectors of the internal market, defines actions and common principles to enhance efficiency and flexibility, preserve and promote competition, support wireless broadband communications as well as other EU policies such as transport, environment protection, Earth surface monitoring or space exploration. It calls for an inventory and monitoring of existing and emerging needs for spectrum, sets principles to defend EU's interests at international level and calls for improvement in the standardisation process.
Current developments
On 13 December 2011, the Council agreed a common position on a Decision establishing the first multi-annual Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP). The European Parliament is expected to approve the draft Decision at its Plenary of February 2012 for final adoption. The Decision on RSPP will create a comprehensive EU Radio Spectrum Policy Programme until 2015 to complete the internal market, particularly in line with the Europe 2020 initiative and the Digital Agenda for Europe.
Background information
The legislation on the regulatory framework for electronic communications updated in 2009 invites the Commission to submit a multi-annual Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The general objective to be achieved by the RSPP is stated in Article 8a(3) of the Framework Directive: "The Commission, taking utmost account of the opinion of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG), established by Commission Decision 2002/622/EC of 26 July 2002 establishing a Radio Spectrum Policy Group, may submit legislative proposals to the European Parliament and the Council for establishing multiannual radio spectrum policy programmes. Such programmes shall set out the policy orientations and objectives for the strategic planning and harmonisation of the use of radio spectrum in accordance with the provisions of this Directive and the Specific Directives."
Preparation and Consultations
In order to identify the views of stakeholders in regard to
the strategic issues for spectrum policy in the coming years, the European
Parliament and the Commission co-organised the first EU Spectrum Summit on 22-23
March 2010 in Brussels (see
agenda and
discussion paper). The Summit recognised the importance of spectrum in
supporting EU policy initiatives to foster economic growth and social inclusion,
especially through the development of wireless broadband, but also for the
development of broadcasting, smart energy grids and applications for public
safety, amongst others.
The efficient use of spectrum was a key principle that met with unanimous
support, and which in the future could be facilitated through effective and
regular reviews of spectrum use. The fact that economies of scale cannot be
created in Europe without EU co-ordination and, where necessary, harmonisation,
was also a recurring concern. While some diverging views were expressed, there
was a clear acknowledgment that difficult decisions would have to be taken
because of the difficulty of reconciling competing needs and interests in the
use of the scarce resource that is spectrum.
A key focus of the summit was the
digital dividend, where there was substantial support for taking an
ambitious and consistent approach to the 800 MHz band while fostering the
development of advanced television services in other parts of the UHF band. In
general it was felt that spectrum should be accessible to innovative services
and technologies coming out of European research programmes, so as to increase
the return on investment in R&D while supporting EU industry and allowing EU
citizens to benefit from this investment.
A
video recording of the proceedings is available on the web page of the ITRE
committee of the European Parliament. Vice President of the European Commission
Neelie Kroes, Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, addressed the participants on
the theme
Radio spectrum – why Europe needs effective co-ordination.
Following the Spectrum Summit and in order to develop the proposal for the
first EU Radio Spectrum Policy Programme the Commission conducted a
public consultation in March-April 2010. Many stakeholders used this
opportunity to send their
responses.
In June 2010 the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) to provided its own Opinion
to the Commission to assist in the preparation of the Radio Spectrum Policy
Programme. Based on a prior public consultation, the
RSPG adopted its opinion on 9 June 2010.